History of Scotland told in ceilidh form in Skye

The triumphant revival of “arguably the single most important show in the whole history of Scottish theatre” comes to Skye in May.

Dundee Rep’s five-star sell-out musical interpretation of John McGrath’s The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil is touring Scotland in association with the National Theatre of Scotland.

Following 2015’s hugely successful restaging, this new version of The Cheviot takes the story back to its roots, visiting intimate art centres and community spaces, echoing the play’s original 1970s’ tour by 7:84 Scotland and comes to SEALL at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Friday 31 May at 7.30pm.

Described as “a cèilidh through Scotland’s past and present” by the National Theatre of Scotland, this legendary and influential piece of Scottish theatre tells the history and the tragedy of Scotland, performed as a Highland cèilidh, with song, humour and drama intermixed, creating a unique theatrical event, that remains as vital and relevant today as it was when 7:84 first presented it, over 40 years ago.

This play looks at the exploitation and economic changes in the Scottish Highlands throughout history, from the ruthless evictions of Highland crofters making way for the more economically viable Cheviot sheep in the 18th century, to the development of stag hunts in game parks in the 19th century and finally the exploitation of resources during the North Sea Oil boom of the 1970s.

Written as a musical drama by John McGrath, The Cheviot explores stories and experiences of Scotland’s land, sea and people across the centuries. Added to this popular piece of theatre is a generous dose of Scottish rebellion and irreverence, live music, including a rabble-rousing rendition of The Battle of the Braes, and a riotous cèilidh.